Des Moines Airport Reopens Following Icy Runway Skid Incident in Iowa

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Des Moines Airport Reopens after Delta Flight Slides Off runway

Des Moines International Airport reopened to air traffic on Sunday morning, following a temporary closure caused by a Delta Air Lines flight leaving the paved surface of the runway. The incident occurred during a period of challenging travel conditions due to a recent snowstorm.

Incident Details

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, a Delta aircraft arriving from Detroit, Michigan, veered off the runway and onto the taxiway. The cause of the incident is currently attributed to icy runway conditions following a snowstorm that impacted much of Iowa.

Airport authorities worked through the night to assess the situation and clear the runway. By 11:37 a.m. on sunday, the airfield was declared open, and operations resumed. The swift response minimized further disruptions for travelers.

Flight Disruptions

The closure and subsequent recovery efforts led to significant flight disruptions. FlightAware.com reported that 41 flights were canceled on sunday, representing 42% of the day’s scheduled departures. An additional 45 flights experienced delays.

Disruption Type	Number of Flights	Percentage of Total
C What specific weather conditions were present at the time of the SkyWest Airlines flight 4822 incident? Incident Overview: December 1st, 2025 Des Moines International Airport (DSM) fully reopened at approximately 12:30 AM CST on December 1st, 2025, following a temporary closure triggered by an incident involving a SkyWest Airlines flight. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operating as United Express flight 4822 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD), experienced a runway skid upon landing at approximately 9:45 PM CST on November 30th, 2025. No injuries were reported among the 50 passengers and 3 crew members on board. The incident occurred amidst challenging winter weather conditions, specifically freezing rain and icy runway surfaces. initial reports indicate the aircraft slid approximately 200 feet off the runway surface before coming to a complete stop. Emergency services, including the Des Moines Fire Department and airport rescue teams, responded instantly. Immediate Response & Airport Closure The immediate priority following the incident was the safety and well-being of the passengers and crew.Passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal via airport buses. * Runway Assessment: A thorough inspection of Runway 11R/29L was initiated to assess the extent of any damage and to determine the cause of the skid. * De-icing Operations: Airport crews immediately began enhanced de-icing and anti-icing operations on all runways and taxiways. This included the application of liquid and solid de-icing agents. * flight Disruptions: the runway closure resulted in the cancellation of numerous incoming and outgoing flights. Passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information. Meaningful delays impacted travel plans throughout the Midwest. * NTSB Examination: The National Transportation safety Board (NTSB) dispatched a team of investigators to Des Moines to investigate the incident. The investigation will focus on factors such as weather conditions,aircraft maintenance records,and pilot actions. Contributing Factors: Icy Runway Conditions & Winter Weather The primary contributing factor to the incident appears to be the presence of ice on the runway surface. Freezing rain had been falling in the Des Moines area for several hours prior to the incident, creating hazardous landing conditions. * Temperature & Precipitation: Temperatures hovered around freezing (32°F / 0°C) during the time of the incident, creating ideal conditions for ice formation. * Runway Treatment: while airport crews were actively engaged in de-icing operations, the continuous precipitation made it challenging to maintain a wholly ice-free runway surface. * Pilot Reporting: Pilots landing prior to the incident had reported slippery runway conditions, prompting increased caution. Though,the SkyWest flight experienced a more significant loss of control. * Wind Conditions: Light winds were present, but not considered a major contributing factor. Airport Reopening Procedures & Safety Measures The decision to reopen the airport was made after a comprehensive assessment of the runway and a determination that it was safe for flight operations. * Runway Inspection: A detailed inspection confirmed no significant damage to the runway surface. * Enhanced De-icing: Airport crews continued aggressive de-icing and anti-icing procedures, utilizing advanced technologies and increased staffing. * FAA Clearance: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided clearance for the airport to resume operations. * Airline Coordination: Airport officials worked closely with airlines to coordinate the resumption of flights and minimize further disruptions. * Increased Vigilance: Pilots were advised to exercise increased vigilance during landings and takeoffs, and to be prepared for potential slippery runway conditions. Impact on Travelers & Airline Responses The incident caused significant disruption for travelers passing through Des Moines international Airport. * Flight Cancellations: Over 70 flights were cancelled on November 30th and December 1st. * Passenger Assistance: Airlines provided assistance to stranded passengers, including hotel accommodations, meal vouchers, and rebooking options. * Travel Delays: Passengers experienced significant delays, with some forced to spend the night at the airport. * SkyWest Airlines Statement: SkyWest Airlines issued a statement expressing their commitment to safety and cooperation with the NTSB investigation. Thay emphasized that the safety of their passengers and crew is their top priority. Iowa Winter Weather & Airport Safety – A Broader Perspective Iowa is prone to severe winter weather, making airport safety a critical concern. Des Moines international airport, like other airports in the region, has robust winter weather preparedness plans in place.These plans include: * Advanced Weather Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts and real-time conditions. * De-icing Equipment & Supplies: A significant inventory of de-icing chemicals and specialized equipment. * Trained Personnel: Highly trained airport personnel dedicated to snow and ice removal operations. * Coordination with airlines: Close collaboration with airlines to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. * Runway Friction Testing: Regular testing of runway friction